A NEIGHBOURLY dispute has landed a Darlington woman with an assault charge.

Joanna Matthew, of Falcon Road, grabbed her victim neighbour and tore his jumper when she knocked on his door, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard.

The 48-year-old admitted the common assault when she appeared at court at a previous hearing.

Yesterday (April 19) Lee Poppett, prosecuting, told magistrates the defendant went to the complainant's home at about 6.20pm on October 12.

Matthew was said to be in her night wear, was wearing no shoes and was intoxicated.

Mr Poppett said after an exchange of words the victim pushed the defendant with open palms to get her off his property, adding: "Without warning she lashed out towards him."

The court heard she grabbed his arm, damaging his clothes and leaving his skin reddened and sore.

A probation officer said there had been a number of issues between the pair.

Tom Morgan, mitigating, said Matthew accepted her behaviour was wrong and there had been no further incidents.

He added she struggled with alcohol.

Matthew was given a 24-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £50 compensation and £40 prosecution costs.